Be the brewer for a day at Chesepiooc in Crofton

Ever wanted to brew your own beer, but not sure you knew where to start?

For $250, Crofton’s Chesepiooc Real Ale Brewery — which owner/brewer Jon Esposito opened in February — will put you through a one-day crash course. The result is a new beer in the flavors and style of your choosing, Esposito said.

So far, customers have crafted brews like the Holy Cannoli, an imperial stout dreamed up by an Italian pastry chef. Chesepiooc hosts the guest brewer and up to 20 friends for a three-hour happy hour to celebrate the beer’s release.

It’s been a big hit, Esposito said. But he has a warning for the eight-hour session: “It’s lifting, scrubbing, mixing ... be ready to get dirty.”